Testimonials

She was lovely and made me feel comfortable about speaking about what had happened and she was able to tell me what will happen next [if I choose to report].

[It helped] having a supportive counsellor. Feeling listened to and believed.

Thank you so much - I don’t know what I would have done without this support.

[I valued] being able to open up to someone that's not connected with my family.

[I valued] somebody taking time to help me.

[Because of the counselling] I understand myself and my emotions better.

[It helped] to have someone listen and believe what I say.

[The counselling was] a space to talk about my worries and insecurities surrounding abuse without it being difficult.

[I valued] the exploration of each of the themes in the [group] sessions. Hearing other people's experiences. Hearing other people's reactions, repercussions, actions and things they do to help.

The encouragement and support and having a safe space to openly talk and not be judged for it

[I appreciate] The feeling of not being alone & isolated & I hope that this group can be repeated to help and support more women in our situation in understanding and knowing they are NOT ALONE!

My protective shell now lets the air through! I don't feel responsible for protecting every young woman. I don't feel the need to be on constant alert for danger.

The kind way I was listened to, believed and not judged. I was helped to see that I was a victim, not responsible for my ill-treatment.

[I value] the fact I was able to talk about things in my own time and pace. Not feeling pressured at all. I felt listened to and more importantly, believed.

Non-judgemental, honest caring people who have been with us every step of the way.

[Counselling] has helped me feel a lot more confident in speaking about my problems. I feel more in control of my decisions and understand I can make them.

I was really impressed with the support and kindness I experienced from the ISVA service. It gave me confidence to start dealing with the situation. It's a great service.

Fantastic counselling, with such a kind and patient counsellor.

[I have learned] that I can write about things other than depressing subjects, and there are people out there who will support and encourage you no matter how ‘damaged’ everyone else labels you, and you are not alone in what you’ve been through.

My daughters' had someone they could engage with (their ChISVA) and I was able to come to terms with what has happened to me and actual be able to see a future was possible.

I was very happy with the support I received. It was just the right amount of understanding without feeling patronised.

[In my counselling sessions] I didn't just talk about the "rape". I managed to get other issues out in the open.

It was good to be surrounded by women who could relate to how I felt.

Valued that the therapy was 20 sessions so provided time to build a relationship and receive proper support. Valued how people talked to me e.g. tone. Valued knowledge given. Valued that the therapist specialised in this area and was female. Felt very different to a therapist that might have been allocated on the NHS. Valued always being able to contact and the quick reply.

I had no idea what to expect and I was very nervous but soon realised that it was okay and I did not need to worry.

I am sad to be leaving today's session as I have truly made a massive step thanks to [my counsellor].

[My ISVA] wasn’t pushy. She asked regularly if I needed anything and if everything was going okay but she left me to it and if I needed support I knew she was there.

[Counselling] has helped me work through my own coping mechanisms to strengthen them and develop strategies to help make everyday life easier to confront.

I talked to the police before having an ISVA. CRCC gave me phone support regarding what rights I have [and] what the interview would be like.